High quality plotting technique for raster printing devices

Abstract

A method and apparatus for preparing and printing pen-stroke image information on a raster-type output device. The image is first vectorized, then given one of a number of slope classifications. For vertical vectors and vectors within a predetermined angle of the vertical, only every n'th dot on the vector is printed. For vectors in the next slope class closer to the horizontal, every (n/2)'th dot is printed. For vectors in the next slope class closer to the horizontal, dots nk, nk+m 2 , and nk+m 1 are printed, where k is any integer, m 2 is n/4, and m 1 is n/2. For dots in the next slope class closer to the horizontal, every (n/4)'th dot is printed. A novel vector endpoint modification scheme, novel redundant dot removal schemes, and a novel adaptive print speed control are also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for converting a plurality of operating vectors for printing on an output device having a plurality of print lines, comprising the steps of: designating for print dots of said operating victors, which dots occur on any of the print lines nk, where n is a predetermined number of lines in a group and k is any integer; and   designating for print dots of only those of said operating vectors having a slope smaller than a predetermined first angle to the print lines, which dots occur on any of the print lines nk+m 1 , where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group, m 1  is a first predetermined integer between 0 and n exclusive, and k is any integer, wherein said first angle is less than or equal to 45°.   
     
     
       2. A method according to claim 1, wherein n is a multiple of 2 and m 1  =n/2. 
     
     
       3. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of deriving each of said operating vectors in said plurality of operating vectors from a respective one of a plurality of input vectors, said step of deriving comprising the endpoint modification step of modifying a subset of said input vectors such that at least one of the end points of each vector in said subset occurs on a print line nk, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group and k is an integer. 
     
     
       4. A method according to claim 3, wherein said subset is defined as all of said plurality of input vectors. 
     
     
       5. A method according to claim 3, wherein said subset is defined as all of said plurality of input vectors which are longer than a predetermined length. 
     
     
       6. A method according to claim 3, wherein said step of modifying comprises the step of placing one endpoint of said input vector on the print line nk 1  to which said one endpoint was nearest, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group and k 1  is an integer. 
     
     
       7. A method according to claim 6, wherein said step of modifying further comprises the step of adjusting said one of said input vectors as necessary to place the other endpoint of said one of said input vectors on the print line nk 2  to which said other endpoint was nearest prior to the step of placing, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group and k 2  is an integer. 
     
     
       8. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the redundancy elimination step of eliminating according to a predetermined redundancy elimination algorithm, from the dots designated for print in the steps of designating for print, dots not needed for a predetermined level of quality. 
     
     
       9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the redundancy elimination step comprises the steps of: locating a linear group of three dots designated for print on a single print line, the outer two dots of which are closer than a predetermined distance; and   eliminating from said dots designated for print the center dot in said linear group.   
     
     
       10. A method according to claim 8, wherein the redundancy elimination step comprises the step of eliminating from said dots designated for print a particular dot if (a) any of the three dots immediately to the left of and on the same print line as the particular dot are designated for print and the dot immediately to the right of the particular dot is designated for print; or (b) either of the two dots immediately to the left of and on the same print line as the particular dot is designated for print and either of the two dots immediately to the right of and on the same print line as the particular dot is designated for print; or (c) the dot immediately to the left of the particular dot is designated for print and any of the three dots immediately to the right of an on the same print line as the particular dot is designated for print. 
     
     
       11. A method according to claim 8, wherein the redundancy elimination step comprises the steps of: eliminating all dots designated for print on print line nk 1  +m 1 , which dots are considered redundant according to a predetermined test, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group, m 1  is said first predetermined integer and k 1  is a particular integer; and   subsequently eliminating all dots designated for print on print line nk 1 , which dots are considered redundant according to said predetermined test, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group and k 1  is said particular integer.   
     
     
       12. A method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of predefining first and second distinct fields of dots, defined by location relative to an arbitrary dot, said first and second distinct fields further being distinct from said arbitrary dot, said first and second fields being predefined such that said arbitrary dot would not be needed for said predetermined level of quality if at least one of the dots in said first field and at least one of the dots in said second field are designated for print, wherein said predetermined test considers each subject one of said dots designated for print redundant if at least one of the dots in said first predetermined field relative to said subject dot is designated for print and at least one of the dots in said second predetermined field relative to said subject dot is designated for print.   
     
     
       13. A method according to claim 8, further comprising printing steps of: moving a print mechanism along a print pass, said print mechanism being capable of printing a dot on each of a set of at least one of said plurality of print lines at any dot position along the length of said print pass, the print lines in said set of print lines all being spaced from each other by integer multiples of n print lines, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group; and   adaptively controlling the instantaneous velocity at which said print mechanism moves along said print pass while printing dots, said step of adaptively controlling being responsive to the maximum density of dots designated for print in a known upcoming portion of any of said print lines in said set.   
     
     
       14. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the printing steps of: moving a print mechanism along a print pass, said print mechanism being capable of printing a dot on each of a set of at least one of said plurality of print lines at any dot position along the length of said print pass; and   adaptively controlling the instantaneous velocity at which said print mechanism moves along said print pass while printing dots, said step of adaptively controlling being responsive to the maximum density of dots designated for print in a known upcoming portion of any of said print lines in said set.   
     
     
       15. A method according to claim 14, wherein said print mechanism is such that all of the print lines printed by said print mechanism on any given pass are spaced by integer multiples of n print lines from each other where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group. 
     
     
       16. A method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of precalculating a print speed profile prior to the step of moving, said step of adaptively controlling being responsive to said print speed profile. 
     
     
       17. A method according to claim 14, wherein said step of adaptively controlling comprises the steps of determining said known upcoming portion as the next upcoming portion of said print pass which is both preceded and followed by a region of at least a predetermined number of dots along the print pass, within which no dots are designated for print on any of said plurality of print lines. 
     
     
       18. A method according to claim 1, wherein said dots designated for print can include a particular dot designated for print in more than one color, further comprising the step of eliminating from said dots designated for print a chosen one of the dots in each of a plurality of mutually distinct adjacent pairs of dots in said dots designated for print, said chosen one of said dots being chosen consistently over all colors. 
     
     
       19. A method according to claim 1, wherein said dots designated for print can include a particular dot designated for print in more than one color, further comprising the step of eliminating from said dots designated for print a chosen one of the dots in each of a plurality of mutually distinct dot pairs, each of said dot pairs consisting of two adjacent dots designated for print on a single print line, said chosen one of said dots being chosen consistently over all colors. 
     
     
       20. A method according to claim 19, wherein each of said dot pairs consists of a left-hand dot and a right-hand dot, and wherein the chosen one of the dots is consistently the left-hand dot in all of said dot pairs. 
     
     
       21. A method according to claim 19, wherein each of said dot pairs consists of a left-hand dot and a right-hand dot, and wherein the chosen one of the dots is consistently the right-hand dot in all of said dot pairs. 
     
     
       22. A method for converting a plurality of operating vectors for printing on an output device having a plurality of print lines, comprising the steps of: designating for print dots of said operating vectors, which dots occur on any of the print lines nk, where n is a predetermined number of lines in a group and k is any integer;   designating for print dots of only those of said operating vectors having a slope smaller than a predetermined first angle to the print lines, which dots occur on any of the print lines nk+m 1 , where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group, m 1  is a first predetermined integer between 0 and n exclusive, and k is any integer; and   designating for print dots of only those of said operating vectors having a slope smaller than a predetermined second angle to the print lines, said second angle being smaller than said first angle, which dots occur on any of the print lines nk+m 2  or on any of the print lines nk+m 3 , where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group, m 2  is a second predetermined integer between 0 and m 1  exclusive, m 3  is a third predetermined integer between m 1  and n exclusive, and k is any integer.   
     
     
       23. A method according to claim 22, wherein n is a multiple of 4, m 1  =n/2, m 2  =m 1  /2 and m 3  =3m 1  /2. 
     
     
       24. A method according to claim 22, wherein said first angle is less than or equal to 45°. 
     
     
       25. A method according to claim 22, further comprising the step of designating for print dots of those of said operating vectors having a slope between said second angle to the print lines and a predetermined third angle to the print lines, said third angle being between said first angle and said second angle, which dots occur on any of the print lines nk+m 2 , where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group, m 2  is said second predetermined integer, and k is any integer. 
     
     
       26. A method according to claim 25, wherein n is a multiple of 4, m 1  =n/2, m 2  =m 1  /2 and m 3  =3m 1  /2. 
     
     
       27. A method according to claim 26, wherein said first angle is less than or equal to 45°. 
     
     
       28. A method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of designating for print dots of those of said operating vectors having a slope between said second angle to the print lines and a predetermined third angle to the print lines, said third angle being between said first angle and said second angle, which dots occur on any of the print lines nk+m 3 , where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group, m 3  is said third predetermined integer, and k is any integer. 
     
     
       29. A method according to claim 22, further comprising the redundancy elimination steps of: eliminating all dots designated for print on a print line k 1  +m 2 , which dots are not needed for a predetermined level of quality, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group, m 2  is said second predetermined integer and k 1  is a particular integer;   subsequently eliminating all dots designated for print on print line nk 1  +m 1 , which dots are not needed for said predetermined level of quality, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group, m 1  is said first predetermined integer and k 1  is said particular integer; and   subsequently eliminating all dots designated for print on print line nk 1 , which dots are not needed for said predetermined level of quality, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group and k 1  is said particular integer.   
     
     
       30. A method according to claim 29, further comprising, prior to the step of eliminating dots designated for print on print line nk 1  +m 2 , the redundancy elimination step of eliminating all dots designated for print on print line nk 1  +m 3 , which dots are not needed for said predetermined level of quality, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group, m 3  is said third predetermined integer and k 1  is said particular integer. 
     
     
       31. A method for preparing a dot pattern for print on a plurality of print lines, comprising the steps of: providing a pattern of dots designated for print;   eliminating from said dot pattern, according to a predetermined redundancy elimination algorithm, dots not needed for a predetermined level of quality, including eliminating from said pattern a particular dot if (a) any of the three dots immediately to the left of and on the same print line as the particular dot are designated for print and the dot immediately to the right of the particular dot is designated for print; or (b) either of the two dots immediately to the left of and on the same print line as the particular dot is designated for print and either of the two dots immediately to the right of and on and same print line as the particular dot is designated for print; or (c) the dot immediately to the left of the particular dot is designated for print and any of the three dots immediately to the right of an on the same print line as the particular dot is designated for print.   
     
     
       32. A method for converting a plurality of operating vectors for printing on an output device having a plurality of print lines, comprising the steps of: designating for print dots of said operating vectors, which dots occur on any of the print lines nk, where n is a predetermined number of lines in a group and k is any integer, n being a multiple of 2;   designating for print dots of only those of said operating vectors having a slope smaller than a predetermined first angle to the print lines, said first angle being less than or equal to 45°, which dots occur on any of the print lines nk+n/2, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group and k is any integer;   eliminating from said dots designated for print a repeatably chosen one of the dots in all mutually distinct dot pairs which consist of two adjacent dots designated for print on a single print line;   moving a print mechanism along a print pass, said print mechanism being capable of printing a dot on each of a set of at least one of said plurality of print lines at any dot position along the length of said print pass; and   adaptively controlling the speed at which said print mechanism moves along said print pass in response to the maximum density of dots designated for print in a known upcoming portion of any of said print lines in said set.   
     
     
       33. A method for converting a plurality of input vectors for printing on an output device having a plurality of print lines, comprising the steps of: deriving a plurality of operating vectors by modifying a subset of said input vectors such that each of the end points of each vector in said subset occurs on a print line nk, where n is a predetermined number of lines in a group and k is an integer, said subset being defined as all of said plurality of input vectors which are longer than a predetermined length and n being an integer multiple of 4;   designating for print dots of said operating vectors, which dots occur on any of the print lines nk, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group and k is any integer;   designating for print dots of only those of said operating vectors having a slope smaller than a predetermined first angle to the print lines, which dots occur on any of the print lines nk +n/2, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group and k is any integer;   designating for print dots of only those of said operating vectors having a slope smaller than a predetermined second angle to the print lines, said second angle being smaller than said first angle, which dots occur on any of the print lines nk+n/4 or an any of the print lines nk+3n/4, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group and k is any integer;   eliminating from said dots designated for print a repeatably chosen one of the dots in all mutually distinct dot pairs which consist of two adjacent dots designated for print on a single print line;   precalculating a print speed profile for a print mechanism to be moved along a print pass, said print mechanism being capable of printing a dot on each of a set of said plurality of print lines at any dot position along the length of said print pass, said step of precalculating including the step of choosing a print speed for each portion of said print pass which is both preceded and followed by a region of at least a predetermined number of dots along the print pass, within which portion no dots are designated for print on any of said print lines in said set; and   printing dots from said dots designated for print as said print mechanism moves along said print pass according to said print speed profile.   
     
     
       34. Apparatus for use with an output device capable of printing dots on a plurality of print lines, said plurality of print lines being divided into groups of n print lines each, each of said groups consisting of a major print line and n-1 minor print lines, said apparatus being for use further with input information describing a plurality of input vectors for printing on said output device, comprising: means for deriving from said input information operating information describing an operating vector for each respective one of said input vectors;   means for causing said output device to print dots corresponding to all of said operating vectors, which dots occur on said major print lines;   means for causing said output device to print dots corresponding to only those of said operating vectors having a slope smaller than a predetermined first angle to the print lines, which dots occur on the m 1  'th print lines of said groups, where m 1  is a first predetermined integer between 0 and n exclusive; and   means for causing said output device to print dots corresponding to only those of said operating vectors having a slope smaller than a predetermined second angle to the print lines, said second angle being smaller than said first angle, which dots occur on any of the m 2  'th or m 3  'th print lines of said groups, where m 2  is a second predetermined integer between 0 and m 1  exclusive, and m 3  is a third predetermined integer between m 1  and n exclusive.   
     
     
       35. Apparatus according to claim 34, wherein n is a multiple of 4, m 1  =n/2, m 2  =m 1  /2, m 3  =3m 1  /2, and said first angle is less than or equal to 45°. 
     
     
       36. Apparatus for use with an output device capable of printing dots on a plurality of print lines, said apparatus being for use further with an input pattern of dots designated for print, comprising: means for eliminating from said dot pattern the center dot in a linear group of three dots in said pattern, designated for print on a single print line, the outer two dots of which are closer than a predetermined distance, including means for eliminating from said pattern a particular dot if (a) any of the three dots immediately to the left of and on the same print line as the particular dot are designated for print and the dot immediately to the right of the particular dot is designated for print; or (b) either of the two dots immediately to the left of and on the same print line as the particular dot is designated for print and either of the two dots immediately to the right of and on the same print line as the particular dot is designated for print; or (c) the dot immediately to the left of the particular dot is designated for print and any of the three dots immediately to the right of an on the same line as the particular dot is designated for print; and   means for providing the resulting dot pattern for print.   
     
     
       37. A method for preparing a dot pattern for print on a plurality of print lines, comprising the steps of: providing a pattern of dots designated for print; and   eliminating from said dot pattern, according to a predetermined redundancy elimination algorithm, dots not needed for a predetermined level of quality, said step of eliminating comprising the steps of:   predefining first and second distinct fields of dots, defined by location relative to an arbitrary dot, said first and second distinct fields further being distinct from said arbitrary dot, said first and second fields being predefined such that said arbitrary dot would not be needed for said predetermined level of quality if at least one of the dots in said first field and at least one of the dots in said second field are designated for print; and   eliminating from said pattern a subject one of said dots designated for print if at least one of the dots in said first predetermined field relative to said subject dot is designated for print and at least one of the dots in said second predetermined field relative to said subject dot is designated for print.   
     
     
       38. A method according to claim 37, wherein said step of eliminating further comprises the steps of: predefining third and fourth distinct fields of dots, defined by location relative to said arbitrary dot, said third and fourth distinct fields further being distinct from said arbitrary dot, said third and fourth fields being predefined such that said arbitrary dot would not be needed for said predetermined level of quality if at least one of the dots in said third field and at least one of the dots in said fourth field are designated for print; and   eliminating from said dot pattern said subject dot if at least one of the dots in said third predetermined field relative to said subject dot is designated for print and at least one of the dots in said fourth predetermined field relative to said subject dot is designated for print.   
     
     
       39. A method according to claim 37, further comprising the printing steps of: moving a print mechanism along a print pass, said print mechanism being capable of printing a dot on each of a set of at least one of said plurality of print lines at any dot position along the length of said print pass; and   adaptively controlling the speed at which said print mechanism moves along said print pass in response to the maximum density of dots designated for print in a known upcoming portion of any of said print lines in said set.   
     
     
       40. A method for preparing a dot pattern for print on a plurality of print lines, comprising the steps of: providing a pattern of dots designated for print; and   eliminating from said dot pattern, according to a predetermined redundancy elimination algorithm, dots not needed for a predetermined level of quality,   wherein said step of eliminating comprises the steps of: eliminating from said pattern all dots designated for print on print line nk 1  +m 1 , which dots are considered redundant according to a predetermined test, where n is a predetermined number of lines in a group, m 1  is a first predetermined integer between 0 and n exclusive, and k 1  is a particular integer; and   subsequently eliminating from said pattern all dots designated for print on print line nk 1 , which dots are considered redundant according to said predetermined test, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group and k 1  is said particular integer,     said method further comprising the step of predefining first and second distinct fields of dots, defined by location relative to an arbitrary dot, said first and second distinct fields further being distinct from said arbitrary dot, said first and second fields being predefined such that said arbitrary dot would not be needed for said predetermined level of quality if at least one of the dots in said first field and at least one of the dots in said second field are designated for print,   wherein said predetermined test considers each subject one of said dots designated for print redundant if at least one of the dots in said first predetermined field relative to said subject dot is designated for print and at least one of the dots in said second predetermined field relative to said subject dot is designated for print.   
     
     
       41. A method according to claim 40, further comprising the printing steps of: moving a print mechanism along a print pass, said print mechanism being capable of printing a dot on each of a set of at least one of said plurality of print lines at any dot position along the length of said print pass; and   adaptively controlling the speed at which said print mechanism moves along said print pass in response to the maximum density of dots designated for print in a known upcoming portion of any of said print lines in said set.   
     
     
       42. A method for preparing a dot pattern for print on a plurality of print lines, comprising the steps of: providing a pattern of dots designated for print; and   eliminating from said dot pattern, according to a predetermined redundancy elimination algorithm, dots not needed for a predetermined level of quality,   wherein said step of eliminating comprises the steps of:   eliminating from said pattern all dots designated for print on a print line nk 1  +m 2 , which dots are considered redundant according to a predetermined test, where n is a predetermined number of lines in a group, m 2  is a second predetermined integer between 0 and n exclusive, and k 1  is a particular integer;   subsequently eliminating from said pattern all dots designated for print on print line nk 1  +m 1 , which dots are considered redundant according to said predetermined test, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group, m 1  is a first predetermined integer between 0 and n exclusive, and different from m 2 , and k 1  is said particular integer; and   subsequently eliminating from said pattern all dots designated for print on print line nk 1 , which dots are considered redundant according to said predetermined test, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group and k 1  is said particular integer,   said method further comprising the step of predefining first and second distinct fields of dots, defined by location relative to an arbitrary dot, said first and second distinct fields further being distinct from said arbitrary dot, said first and second fields being predetermined such that said arbitrary dot would not be needed for said predetermined level of quality if at least one of the dots in said first field and at least one of the dots in said second field are designated for print,   wherein said predetermined test considers each subject one of said dots designated for print redundant if at least one of the dots in said first predetermined field relative to said subject dot is designated for print and at least one of the dots in said second predetermined field relative to said subject dot is designated for print.   
     
     
       43. A method for preparing a dot pattern for print on a plurality of print lines, comprising the steps of: providing a pattern of dots designated for print; and   eliminating from said dot pattern, according to a predetermined redundancy elimination algorithm, dots not needed for a predetermined level of quality, wherein said step of eliminating, for a subject dot in the center of a 7×7 square of dots numbered 1 through 7 from left to right across the top row, 8 through 14 from left to right across the second row, 15 through 21 from left to right across the third row, 22 through 28 from left to right across the fourth row, 29 through 35 from left to right across the fifth row, 36 through 42 from left to right across the sixth row, and 43 through 49 from left to right across the seventh row, comprises the step of eliminating said subject dot if at least one of the following conditions are true: (a) at least one of dots 17, 24 and 31, and at least one of dots 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 33, 34 and 35, are designated for print;   (b) at least one of dots 16, 23 and 30, and at least one of dots 19, 20, 26, 27, 33 and 34, are designated for print;   (c) at least one of dots 15, 22 and 29, and at least one of dots 19, 26 and 33, are designated for print;   (d) at least one of dots 17, 18 and 19, and at least one of dots 31, 32, 33, 38, 39, 40, 45, 46 and 47, are designated for print;   (e) at least one of dots 10, 11 and 12, and at least one of dots 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 and 40, are designated for print;   (f) at least one of dots 3, 4 and 5, and at least one of dots 31, 32 and 33, are designated for print;   (g) at least one of dots 10, 16 and 17, and at least one of dots 33, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, 47, 48 and 49, are designated for print;   (h) at least one of dots 3, 9 and 15, and at least one of dots 33, 34, 35, 40, 41 and 47, are designated for print;   (i) at least one of dots 1, 2 and 8, and at least one of dots 33, 34 and 40, are designated for print;   (j) at least one of dots 12, 19 and 20, and at least one of dots 29, 30, 31, 36, 37, 38, 43, 44 and 45, are designated for print;   (k) at least one of dots 5, 13 and 21, and at least one of dots 29, 30, 31, 37, 38 and 45, are designated for print;   (l) at least one of dots 6, 7 and 14, and at least one of dots 30, 31 and 38, are designated for print.     
     
     
       44. A method for preparing a dot pattern for print on a plurality of print lines, comprising the steps of: providing a pattern of dots designated for print; and   eliminating from said dot pattern, according to a predetermined redundancy elimination algorithm, dots not needed for a predetermined level of quality,   wherein said step of eliminating comprises the steps of: eliminating from said pattern all dots designated for print on print line nk 1  +m 1 , which dots are considered redundant according to a predetermined test, where n is a predetermined number of lines in a group, m 1  is a first predetermined integer between 0 and n exclusive, and k 1  is a particular integer; and   subsequently eliminating from said pattern all dots designated for print on print line nk 1 , which dots are considered redundant according to said predetermined test, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group and k 1  is said particular integer,     wherein for each subject one of said dots designated for print which is located in the center of a respective 7×7 square of dots numbered 1 through 7 from left to right across the top row, 8 through 14 from left to right across the second row, 15 through 21 from left to right across the third row, 22 through 28 from left to right across the fourth row, 29 through 35 from left to right across the fifth row, 36 through 42 from left to right across the sixth row, and 43 through 49 from left to right across the seventh row, said predetermined test considers said subject dot redundant if at least one of the following conditions are true: (a) at least one of dots 17, 24 and 31, and at least one of dots 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 33, 34 and 35, are designated for print;   (b) at least one of dots 16, 23 and 30, and at least one of dots 19, 20, 26, 27, 33 and 34, are designated for print;   (c) at least one of dots 15, 22 and 29, and at least one of dots 19, 26 and 33, are designated for print;   (d) at least one of dots 17, 18 and 19, and at least one of dots 31, 32, 33, 38, 39, 40, 45, 46 and 47, are designated for print;   (e) at least one of dots 10, 11 and 12, and at least one of dots 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 and 40, are designated for print;   (f) at least one of dots 3, 4 and 5, and at least one of dots 31, 32 and 33, are designated for print;   (g) at least one of dots 10, 16 and 17, and at least one of dots 33, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, 47, 48 and 49, are designated for print;   (h) at least one of dots 3, 9 and 15, and at least one of dots 33, 34, 35, 40, 41 and 47, are designated for print;   (i) at least one of dots 1, 2 and 8, and at least one of dots 33, 34 and 40, are designated for print;   (j) at least one of dots 12, 19 and 20, and at least one of dots 29, 30, 31, 36, 37, 38, 43, 44 and 45, are designated for print;   (k) at least one of dots 5, 13 and 21, and at least one of dots 29, 30, 31, 37, 38 and 45, are designated for print;   (l) at least one of dots 6, 7 and 14, and at least one of dots 30, 31 and 38, are designated for print.     
     
     
       45. A method for preparing a dot pattern for print on a plurality of print lines, comprising the steps of: providing a pattern of dots designated for print;   eliminating from said pattern all dots designated for print on print line nk 1  +m 1 , which dots are considered redundant according to a predetermined test, where n is a predetermined number of lines in a group, m 1  is a first predetermined integer between 0 and n exclusive, and k 1  is a particular integer; and   subsequently eliminating from said pattern all dots designated for print on print line nk 1 , which dots are considered redundant according to said predetermined test, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group and k 1  is said particular integer,   wherein for each subject one of said dots designated for print which is located in the center of a respective 7×7 square of dots numbered 1 through 7 from left to right across the top row, 8 through 14 from left to right across the second row, 15 through 21 from left to right across the third row, 22 through 28 from left to right across the fourth row, 29 through 35 from left to right across the fifth row, 36 through 42 from left to right across the sixth row, and 43 through 49 from left to right across the seventh row, said predetermined test considers said subject dot redundant if at least one of the following conditions are true: (a) at least one of dots 17, 24 and 31, and at least one of dots 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 33, 34 and 35, are designated for print;   (b) at least one of dots 16, 23 and 30, and at least one of dots 19, 20, 26, 27, 33 and 34, are designated for print;   (c) at least one of dots 15, 22 and 29, and at least one of dots 19, 26 and 33, are designated for print;   (d) at least one of dots 17, 18 and 19, and at least one of dots 31, 32, 33, 28, 39, 40, 45, 46 and 47, are designated for print;   (e) at least one of dots 10, 11 and 12, and at least one of dots 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 and 40, are designated for print;   (f) at least one of dots 3, 4 and 5, and at least one of dots 31, 32 and 33, are designated for print;   (g) at least one of dots 10, 16 and 17, and at least one of dots 33, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, 47, 48 and 49, are designated for print;   (h) at least one of dots 3, 9 and 15, and at least one of dots 33, 34, 35, 40, 41 and 47, are designated for print;   (i) at least one of dots 1, 2 and 8, and at least one of dots 33, 34 and 40, are designated for print;   (j) at least one of dots 12, 19 and 20, and at least one of dots 29, 30, 31, 36, 37, 38, 43, 44 and 45, are designated for print;   (k) at least one of dots 5, 13 and 21, and at least one of dots 29, 30, 31, 37, 38 and 45, are designated for print;   (l) at least one of dots 6, 7 and 14, and at least one of dots 30, 31 and 38, are designated for print.     
     
     
       46. A method according to claim 45, further comprising the printing steps of: moving a print mechanism along a print pass, said print mechanism being capable of printing a dot on each of a set of at least one of said plurality of print lines at any dot position along the length of said print pass; and   adaptively controlling the speed at which said print mechanism moves along said print pass in response to the maximum density of dots designated for print in a known upcoming portion of any of said print lines in said set.   
     
     
       47. A method for converting a plurality of operating vectors for printing on an output device having a plurality of print lines, comprising the steps of: designating for print dots of said operating vectors, which dots occur on any of the print lines nk, where n is a predetermined number of lines in a group and k is any integer; and   designating for print dots of only those of said operating vectors having a slope smaller than a predetermined first angle to the print lines, which dots occur on any of the print lines nk+m 1 , where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group, m 1  is a first predetermined integer between 0 and n exclusive, and k is any integer,   said method further comprising the steps of:   predefining first and second distinct fields of dots, defined by location relative to an arbitrary dot, said first and second distinct fields further being distinct from said arbitrary dot, said first and second fields being predefined such that said arbitrary dot would not be needed for a predetermined level of quality if at least one of the dots in said first field and at least one of the dots in said second field are designated for print; and   eliminating from said pattern a subject one of said dots designated for print if at least one of the dots in said first predetermined field relative to said subject dot is designated for print and at least one of the dots in said second predetermined field relative to said subject dot is designated for print.   
     
     
       48. Apparatus for use with an output device capable of printing dots on a plurality of print lines, said apparatus being for use further with an input pattern of dots designated for print, comprising: first and second distinct fields of dots, defined by location relative to an arbitrary dot, said first and second distinct fields further being distinct from said arbitrary dot, said first and second fields being predefined such that said arbitrary dot would not be needed for a predetermined level of quality if at least one of the dots in said first field and at least one of the dots in said second field are designated for print;   means for eliminating from said pattern a subject one of said dots designated for print if at least one of the dots in said first predetermined field relative to said subject dot is designated for print and at least one of the dots in said second predetermined field relative to said subject dot is designated for print; and means for providing the resulting dot pattern for print.   
     
     
       49. Apparatus for use with an output device capable of printing dots on a plurality of print lines, said apparatus being for use further with an input pattern of dots designated for print, comprising: (a) means for (1) eliminating from said pattern all dots designated for print on print line nk 1  +m 1 , which dots are considered redundant according to a predetermined test, where n is a predetermined number of lines in a group, m 1  is a first predetermined integer between 0 and n exclusive, and k 1  is a particular integer, and (2) subsequently eliminating from said pattern all dots designated for print on print line nk 1 , which dots are considered redundant according to said predetermined test, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group and k 1  is said particular integer; and   (b) means for providing the resulting dot pattern for print, wherein said predetermined test considers each subject one of said dots designated for print redundant if at least one of the dots in a first predetermined field of dots relative to said subject dot is designated for print and at least one of the dots in a second predetermined field of dots relative to said subject dot is designated for print,   and wherein said first and second fields of dots are distinct from each other and from an arbitrary dot, and are predefined by location relative to said arbitrary dot such that said arbitrary dot would not be needed for a predetermined level of quality if at least one of the dots in said first field and at least one of the dots in said second field are designated for print.     
     
     
       50. Apparatus for use with an output device capable of printing dots on a plurality of print lines, said apparatus being for use further with an input pattern of dots designated for print, comprising: means for (1) eliminating from said pattern all dots designated for print on print line nk 1  +m 1 , which dots are considered redundant according to a predetermined test, where n is a predetermined number of lines in a group, m 1  is a first predetermined integer between 0 and n exclusive, and k 1  is a particular integer, and (2) subsequently eliminating from said pattern all dots designated for print on print line nk 1 , which dots are considered redundant according to said predetermined test, where n is said predetermined number of lines in a group and k 1  is said particular integer; and   means for providing the resulting dot pattern for print,   wherein, for each subject one of said dots designated for print which is located in the center of a respective 7×7 square of dots numbered 1 through 7 from left to right across the top row, 8 through 14 from left to right across the second row, 15 through 21 from left to right across the third row, 22 through 28 from left to right across the fourth row, 29 through 35 from left to right across the fifth row, 36 through 42 from left to right across the sixth row, and 43 through 49 from left to right across the seventh row, said predetermined test considers said subject dot redundant if at least one of the following conditions are true: (a) at least one of dots 17, 24 and 31, and at least one of dots 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 33, 34 and 35, are designated for print;   (b) at least one of dots 16, 23 and 30, and at least one of dots 19, 20, 26, 27, 33 and 34, are designated for print;   (c) at least one of dots 15, 22 and 29, and at least one of dots 19, 26 and 33, are designated for print;   (d) at least one of dots 17, 18 and 19, and at least one of dots 31, 32, 33, 38, 39, 40, 45, 46 and 47, are designated for print;   (e) at least one of dots 10, 11 and 12, and at least one of dots 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 and 40, are designated for print;   (f) at least one of dots 3, 4 and 5, and at least one of dots 31, 32 and 33, are designated for print;   (g) at least one of dots 10, 16 and 17, and at least one of dots 33, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, 47, 48 and 49, are designated for print;   (h) at least one of dots 3, 9 and 15, and at least one of dots 33, 34, 35, 40, 41 and 47, are designated for print;   (i) at least one of dots 1, 2 and 8, and at least one of dots 33, 34 and 40, are designated for print;   (j) at least one of dots 12, 19 and 20, and at least one of dots 29, 30, 31, 36, 37, 38, 43, 44 and 45, are designated for print;   (k) at least one of dots 5, 13 and 21, and at least one of dots 29, 30, 31, 37, 38 and 45, are designated for print;   (l) at least one of dots 6, 7 and 14, and at least one of dots 30, 31 and 38, are designated for print.